CIMPLE – A Curious Introvert's Musings & Photos about Life and Enjoyment

Shakespeare or Orwell?

We live in a political time where 1984 by George Orwell is constantly being referenced, but my preference has always been William Shakespeare.  Did my enjoyment of Shakespeare begin with the first words read, the Shakespeare course taught by a brilliant college professor that looked brilliant wearing splendid scarves or the many fabulous film adaptations of William Shakespeare starring Kenneth Branagh?  I’m sure many things played a role, even a trip to the Stratford Festival to see the play A Midsummer Night’s Dream.  Whereas the power and seduction of Shakespeare’s words continue to resonate after the closing of the book cover, sadly Orwell’s words never left the classroom of assigned reading.  If by some chance I was asked if I liked 1984, I would answer yes, the sixth album of Van Halen, 1984, was outstanding.

“This above all: to thine own self be true”

Hamlet – William Shakespeare

A Curious Introvert

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18 responses to “Shakespeare or Orwell?”

  1. Olivia Emily Avatar
    Olivia Emily

    Shakespeare has written so many powerful lines, plays and poems, sometimes I’m so in awe and amazing when I read or watch his work. It’s also so gratifying that it has all withstood the test of time and continues to be adapted and renewed constantly!

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. A Curious Introvert Avatar
      A Curious Introvert

      Thanks for sharing your enjoyment of Shakespeare and I enjoy watching both the traditional and unconventional adaptations of his plays.🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  2. kairathebookgoddess Avatar
    kairathebookgoddess

    This is really fascinating

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. A Curious Introvert Avatar
      A Curious Introvert

      Thank you!🙂

      Like

      Reply
  3. Laurie Graves Avatar
    Laurie Graves

    I am with you all the way. I fell in love with Shakespeare when I was a teenager, and that love remains constant. I am a little embarrassed to admit that I have never read Orwell, but those who have certainly indicate that his books remain very relevant today.

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    1. A Curious Introvert Avatar
      A Curious Introvert

      It was one of my favorite college courses and I love authors that not only captivate you with their words, but also lead you on a discovery to new interests, ideas and pursuits.🙂

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      1. Laurie Graves Avatar
        Laurie Graves

        Yes, yes!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. A Curious Introvert Avatar
        A Curious Introvert

        🙂

        Like

  4. Johnny Avatar
    Johnny

    They are widely different, and Shakespeare is endlessly superior. Shakespeare — might he have been a single man and not multiple, akin Homer, was pure passion in shade of anachronic.
    Orwell was simply an author who’s oeuvre had a deep impact on the way political-based stories could be told without over-saturating the plot. He was good, but he wasn’t brilliant, simply the first and most influential. Much how Rimbaud’s poetry is terrible, but as a first personage of surrealism and poetic prose, he was greatly revered and influenced many, many who were undoubtably superior to him.
    Art is very composed of Timing.

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    1. A Curious Introvert Avatar
      A Curious Introvert

      Thank you for the great comment and sharing your thoughts on Shakespeare and Orwell.🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  5. plaidcamper Avatar
    plaidcamper

    Both are enduring, but Shakespeare has the poetry and range (and humour!) “The Road to Wigan Pier” is my favourite by Orwell, and “MacBeth” my favourite Shakespeare play. Probably because it was the first we studied at school that seemed accessible. Love the Ken adaptations, and perhaps he’ll do more? I should watch them again, as respite from the current madness…

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    1. A Curious Introvert Avatar
      A Curious Introvert

      I can get a little obsessive about authors I love and that certainly happened after that wonderful Shakespeare course. Each reading led to watching another play or film adaptation and Hamlet and its many film adaptations have always been a favorite. The fascination continues today and I enjoyed the PBS series Shakespeare Uncovered from a few years ago and when I was checking the movie listings for the week I discovered the recent release of King Lear at the theaters starring Emma Thompson and Anthony Hopkins that may need to be seen this week with rain on its way.🙂

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    2. Jean Klein Avatar
      Jean Klein

      I agree it is the poetry that makes the difference. Poetry gets to your heart. Orwell appeals to the head.

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. A Curious Introvert Avatar
        A Curious Introvert

        Wonderful comparison and thank you for sharing your thoughts about Shakespeare and Orwell.🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  6. mitchteemley Avatar
    mitchteemley

    Like Orwell. Love Shakespeare. So, yeah.

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. A Curious Introvert Avatar
      A Curious Introvert

      Enjoyed your comment!🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  7. jillslawit Avatar
    jillslawit

    Having Shakespeare crammed into me at school and not fully explained did not help me for the future. But I was the only 15 yr old in my class who was watching Orson Welles in the old B/W version of Macbeth on the school video recorder and actually being blown away. Have studied Macbeth properly since and still totally GET it. Orwell did leave us with ‘All animals are equal…’ which I do see fit to quote often.

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    1. A Curious Introvert Avatar
      A Curious Introvert

      I haven’t seen the Orson Welles version and will have to see where it’s available. I love watching the different film adaptations with the wonderful variety of actors that love Shakespeare.🙂

      Liked by 1 person

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